Neapolitan Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with color, flavor, and nostalgic charm, look no further than this delightful Neapolitan Cake. Combining rich chocolate, sweet strawberry, and classic vanilla layers, this cake captures the essence of a beloved ice cream trio in a luscious, moist cake form that’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself. The balance of flavors melds perfectly with luscious whipped cream and silky buttercream frosting, making every bite a joyful and memorable experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Neapolitan Cake relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that together create layers of moist, flavorful cake and frosting. Each ingredient plays a vital role – from the cake flour for tender crumb to the buttermilk for tangy richness, and the strawberry reduction for natural fruity brightness.

• Unsalted butter (softened): Provides creaminess and structure while keeping your cake tender.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a soft, fine crumb texture.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Add moisture and help bind the cake layers together beautifully.
• Cake flour: Offers a lighter, softer texture than all-purpose flour, perfect for delicate cake layers.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leaveners that ensure your cake rises evenly and stays fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness; if you don’t have any, there’s a simple substitution in the notes.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cakes moist without weighing them down.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that complements all layers wonderfully.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder and hot water: Transforms one-third of the batter into a rich chocolate layer.
• Strawberry reduction: Natural, vibrant strawberry flavor is concentrated here for the pink layer.
• Heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla for whipped cream filling: Light and fluffy filling that complements the layers perfectly.
• Vanilla buttercream frosting ingredients: Creamy, smooth frosting that ties the entire cake together with luscious sweetness.
• Optional ganache drip: For that extra touch of elegance and indulgence.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Reduction

Begin by pureeing about 5-6 fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. Simmer this puree gently on the stove until it reduces by half and thickens into a luscious syrup. This concentrate will infuse the strawberry cake layer with authentic fruity goodness, setting it apart from artificial flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare three 8-inch round pans. Combine your dry ingredients—cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a bowl to ensure even leavening. Separately, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor balance.

In your mixer, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy—this step is key to an airy cake. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before the next, which supports a smooth batter. Alternate adding dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with dry, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 3: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Split your batter evenly into three bowls. For the chocolate layer, dissolve cocoa powder into hot water and fold it into one bowl to create a luscious cocoa batter. For the strawberry layer, stir in the strawberry reduction, and optionally add strawberry gelatin powder or extract for an extra burst of flavor. Keep the third bowl as your classic vanilla layer.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Layers

Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan, smoothing the tops evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Once baked, give them 10 minutes to cool before gently removing the cakes from their pans to finish cooling completely. This patience will give you sturdy, well-structured layers ready for assembly.

Step 5: Whip the Cream Filling

Chill your mixing tools for best results. Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form—this airy whipped cream becomes a perfect, light contrast to the sweet cake layers. Be vigilant not to overwhip, or it might turn grainy.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Cream softened butter until luscious and smooth, then gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar and milk for a silky texture. Fine-tune sweetness and consistency as you go—too thick? Add a splash more milk; too thin? Sprinkle in more sugar. This buttercream will be your cake’s beautiful wrapping and the foundation for your creative decorating.

Step 7: Optional Ganache Drip

Gently melt dark chocolate with heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool until it thickens slightly but is still pourable. This drip adds sophisticated flair and a rich chocolate accent to your Neapolitan Cake.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate the Neapolitan Cake

Stack your layers starting with chocolate on the bottom, piping a buttercream dam to hold the whipped cream filling before layering on vanilla and repeating. Top with the strawberry layer, fill any gaps with buttercream, and apply a crumb coat to seal crumbs in place. Chill before applying the final coat of buttercream. For a charming touch, tint a small portion of frosting pink for the top layer’s frosting spiral. Finish with a ganache drip and piped borders for that bakery-worthy look.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

Lightly dust your Neapolitan Cake with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or delicate edible flowers for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in. A few whole strawberries placed around the base add a pop of fresh fruitiness and elegance.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to amplify that classic Neapolitan vibe. Fresh berries or a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce can complement and contrast the cake’s sweetness perfectly without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try individual servings by layering the cake components in clear glasses with whipped cream, creating a delightful Neapolitan parfait. You might also turn the cake into mini cupcakes for parties, showcasing all three flavors in every bite. These creative twists keep the spirit of Neapolitan alive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days while maintaining its moist texture and flavorful layers. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or midweek treats.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake unassembled by wrapping each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw layers overnight in the fridge before assembling and frosting. Completed cakes can also be frozen but are best consumed within a month for peak freshness.

Reheating

Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid heating it which can affect texture and flavor. Instead, bring your slice to room temperature and enjoy it soft and luscious, allowing the flavors to be at their prime.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour in the Neapolitan Cake?

Yes! Use 3 cups minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per 3 cups of cake flour, and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to lighten the mixture. This helps the cake stay tender and soft, close to what cake flour provides.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

Simply mix 1¼ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until curdled, and use as a buttermilk substitute. This will give your cake the same tangy moisture and softness.

Can I make the strawberry reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! The strawberry reduction can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated in a sealed container. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to deepen, making your strawberry layer even more delicious.

Is it necessary to use both whipped cream and buttercream frosting?

While the whipped cream filling adds a light, airy contrast between the layers, the buttercream is important for coating and stability. Using both gives the Neapolitan Cake its characteristic texture contrasts and allows for gorgeous decorating.

How do I avoid the ganache drips running too far down the cake?

Allow the ganache to cool and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon and drips slowly. Pipe drips gently at the edge, testing one first to see how far it runs. Cooler ganache gives you more control over the drip design.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Cake is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Its vibrant layers, rich textures, and harmonious flavors come together to create a dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving a slice of joy, this cake promises to put a big smile on your face. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to create a piece of edible happiness—you won’t regret it!

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